Film Studies
GCE Advanced Level AS/A2
Course Content
| Module | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exploring Film Form | An introduction to key areas of Film Language (Camera, Editing, Sound, staging, etc) and the way they create meaning and effect. The unit will balance skills of sequence analysis with creative practical coursework including storyboarding, screenwriting and the production of filmed sequences. |
| 2 | British and American Film | Split into three diverse parts Section A involves a study of the Hollywood and UK film industries, processes that lie behind Film Production, plus an exploration of the audience's role in Cinema. Section B explores British film through close analysis of the messages and values in a number of films past and present. Section C revolves around a comparative study of two American films. |
| 3 | Film Research and Creative Projects | Based around two projects this unit translates theory into practice. You firstly gain the opportunity to select and research specific directors, performers, issues or technologies in depth. Secondly, a creative project will enable you to either write your own screenplay, shoot and edit your own 5 minute short film or plan a documentary. |
| 4 | Varieties of Film Experience - Issues and Debates | Within the final unit Section A explores World Cinema, viewing and analysing challenging and important non-Hollywood Cinema from around the globe. Section B considers spectatorship and the way our emotional response to film is manipulated by filmmakers. Section C considers one single film from a range of critical perspectives and draws together all of the major strands of the course. |
How it is Taught
Film Studies involves a blend of teacher-led introductions to key concepts, independent research/analysis, essay writing and practical production activities. 40% of the first year and 50% of the second year centres on coursework - an examination in each year makes up the remaining marks.
In your AS year you will gain a thorough grounding in film language and produce a detailed coursework essay on technical aspects of film. You will also develop your own ideas through storyboarding and short film production. A2 coursework may include writing a full script, conducting research into the work of a specific director or star and shooting and editing a short film. Within both the AS and the A2 years you will be given considerable scope to apply key concepts to the areas of film that interest you most.
Examination Details
| Module | Title | Duration | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exploring Film Form | Coursework | 1st Year March |
| 2 | British and American Film | 2 1/2 hours | 1st Year June |
| 3 | Film Research and Creative Projects | Coursework | 2nd Year March |
| 4 | Varieties of Film Experience - Issues and Debates | 2 3/4 hours | 2nd Year June |
Entry Requirements
We require a Grade C or above in English Language. We prefer a grade C or above in English Literature.
Students should also meet the general college entry requirements for Advanced Level study. Please refer to the current Prospectus - advanced programmes, entry requirements.
Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Film studies combines well with English Literature and English Language, sharing their emphasis on textual analysis and the written communication of ideas. Media Studies with Film is a good combination for students fully committed to pursuing either subject at degree level or in a future career. Film also shares useful common ground with Psychology, History and Art.
Careers and HE Information
Studying Film enhances skills in analysis, communication, and practical production, resulting in a range of transferable skills valued by universities and employers alike. It is an academic subject that provides a strong foundation for degree level study in general, building abilities in research, the written, spoken and image-based expression of ideas, and independence of thought.
Other Relevant Information
This AS/A2 specification has some identifiable overlap with AS/A2 Media Studies and AS/A2 Media Production in terms of the underpinning concepts of technical understanding, genre, narrative and audience reception.
While the combination of Media and Film is in no way prohibited, students need to be aware that only those who are entirely focussed on careers in this field should pursue these subjects at the same time.